"What are you planning?" Suzune asked cautiously.
"I told you, it's a deal," Ryūen insisted, staring at Kusuo. "You're the café manager, right? No need to involve her."
Suzune glared but stayed silent, focusing on Kusuo.
"Let's talk elsewhere," Kusuo suggested.
...
Kusuo led Ryūen, Hiyori, and Mio aside, telepathically probing Ryūen's thoughts.
*[Kusuo, as expected!]*
*Huh?*
*[I saw Honami Ichinose in your maid outfit at our café. How did you manipulate her?]*
'Honestly, I'm quite surprised by this turn of events.'
"There's no way our class can beat yours in this cultural festival. I knew that the moment I stepped into this café. Since the rankings are already decided, I might as well cut my losses and secure some benefits for myself."
'Huh? It's just a cultural festival...'
"What did you do to convince Ichinose so quickly? I heard your involvement turned D-Class's struggling business into a hit. Our café was doing well until Ichinose rushed past, and all our customers followed her. Wait, was that intentional? Did you deliberately have Ichinose walk by our café?"
'It was just on her way, right?'
"If it were anyone else, I'd call it a coincidence, but this is Saiki we're talking about. He probably planned it to intimidate me. He even predicted we'd come here to negotiate. Only Shiina Hiyori saw through it and proposed this deal to maximize our class's gains."
'Huh? So it was Shiina?'
Saiki Kusuo sighed inwardly; things weren't going as he'd expected.
"My terms are simple. After the festival, you'll give us 300,000 points. In exchange, Shiina will help your café."
Ryūen Kakeru observed Saiki's reaction as he spoke.
Saiki looked serious, unsure how to respond.
Ryūen assumed Saiki wasn't satisfied since he didn't agree immediately.
"300,000 points isn't an issue, but the price is..."
As Horikita Suzune pondered, Ryūen abruptly changed his offer.
"100,000! We'll settle for 100,000!"
"We've lost all our customers. If we don't play by Saiki's rules, we might not even get 100,000!"
Ryūen thought, then added:
"For 100,000 points, you'll get Shiina and Ibuki Mio too!"
"Hey! Ryūen, what's this about? I just came to discuss ways to boost our class's sales. Why am I part of the deal? And why am I the bonus? Why me?!"
Ibuki Mio was annoyed at being 'offered' like this.
However, in her kimono, she looked completely different—less tomboyish and more adorable.
Though Shiina Hiyori remained silent, Saiki could hear her thoughts clearly.
"Please hire me. Then I can work closer to Kusuo."
Listening to Ryūen, Horikita fell into thought.
"100,000 for two workers? That's a great deal! We're overwhelmed with customers. Even with ten waitresses, we're struggling. The kitchen's fine, Saiki says, but Mikoto Aiura's exhausted. Getting two more workers at this price is a steal."
Horikita nodded at Saiki.
'...'
With no other choice, Saiki agreed.
"Hey! Why am I the bonus? Explain!"
"Great, Kusuo. Looking forward to working with you!"
...
Soon, Class 2-A's café ran even more efficiently.
"Welcome, Master!"
"What would you like today, Master?"
Every waitress worked diligently.
Shiina Hiyori, socially awkward, stood at the entrance, drawing customers in. Her kimono added a unique charm to the café. Her job was to deliver dishes from the kitchen, minimizing customer interaction.
Ibuki Mio, paired with Ichinose Honami, served desserts, fulfilling orders.
Though reluctant, Ibuki was provoked by Horikita's comment about her speed. She dashed between the dessert shop and café, her eyes glowing with determination.
Despite using two classrooms, the café was packed. Kushida Kikyō chatted with waiting customers and handed out cookies.
Mikoto Aiura offered free fortune-telling to customers, her 'real job.'
Sakura Airi, fully adapted, energetically served guests.
The café thrived, and everyone worked tirelessly, yet without complaint.
Saiki knew they enjoyed it. School pressure was intense, and the festival offered relief.
'Seriously, why is a cultural festival so complicated?'
Saiki shook his head but smiled.
Then, a commotion erupted at the entrance.
"It's Chabashira-sensei!"
"She's wearing a maid outfit?!"
"Quick, take photos!"
'Did Ayanokōji drag the homeroom teacher here?!'
As Saiki reacted, another visitor arrived, drawing all attention.
Kiryūin Fūka.
True to her nature, she skipped helping Class 3-B, opting for Saiki's café.
"Saiki, your café's doing great."
She'd experienced every class's event and saved his for last.
"You're here as a customer?"
"Not just that."
"Huh?"
"Do you have extra maid outfits? Lend me one."
"?"
"I've never been a maid. It looks fun. I want to try."
"Uh..."
...
By 4 PM, the festival ended. The scoring system closed, but extra points could be individual rewards.
Results would be available at 6 PM via phone.
The café stayed open until 6 PM due to demand. Chabashira Sae left at 4 PM.
Afterward, customers shared positive feedback, delighting the exhausted students.
Their fatigue vanished—not just from praise.
Saiki used his restoration ability to rejuvenate them.
At 6 PM, the rankings were announced:
1st: Class 2-A (+100 points)
2nd: Class 2-D (+100 points)
3rd: ...
Students celebrated. Winning was thrilling.
Class 2-D, initially mediocre, surged to second place through cooperation.
Class 2-B, led by Sakayanagi Arisu, partnered with first-years for a strong finish.
Sakayanagi had had enough fun.
"Let's have a class dinner tonight!"
Hirata Yōsuke suggested, met with agreement.
They invited others, including Class 2-D, led by Ichinose Honami. It felt like a 'merger.'
Horikita invited Shiina and Ibuki from Class 2-C. Shiina declined, and Ibuki refused vehemently.
Mikoto Aiura and Kiryūin Fūka joined. Kiryūin, despite working only an hour, was highly efficient.
Curious about Saiki, she joined the dinner.
'Finally, some rest?'
Saiki sighed, gazing at the sunset. The sky glowed golden, and he looked forward to tomorrow.
After all, their school trip was next.
"Saiki, let's go!"
As he turned, he heard a familiar scream.
'Did I imagine it? Sounded like the gym. Oh well, probably nothing.'
...
Meanwhile, in the dark, powerless gym, Saiki Kūsuke cowered, sobbing.
He'd entered Class 3-A's haunted house that morning and never left.
"Kusuo, help me!"
—
'Huh?'